Caretaker Sindh Home Minister, Brigadier (retd) Haris Nawaz, clarified on Wednesday that stringent security measures have been put in place for the upcoming February 8 polls. He emphasized that security personnel will be deployed strategically, primarily focusing on the security outside the premises of the polling booths.
Haris reiterated the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) pivotal role in ensuring the integrity of general elections, with administrations providing necessary assistance. Speaking to journalists in Karachi, he outlined the protocol, stating that only Rangers personnel would be summoned inside the booth if required, ensuring no security official will be stationed within the polling booths.
“Arms display during polls is strictly prohibited. Police contingents will be stationed outside polling stations, and lady health staffers will oversee election duties at women’s polling booths,” he added.
Highlighting the allocation of resources, Haris affirmed the provincial government’s commitment to providing adequate funds to law enforcement agencies (LEAs), including police and Rangers. He also shed light on the security arrangements across highly sensitive areas, with over 122,000 police officials and 1,984 Pakistan Army soldiers slated for deployment.
In response to security concerns, Haris acknowledged potential threats but assured rigorous measures to uphold law and order. Additionally, he announced the involvement of various departments, including anti-corruption and forest departments, alongside lady health workers, in bolstering security measures.
The Sindh home minister underscored the government’s dedication to conducting transparent elections, unveiling plans to equip polling stations with solar systems and surveillance cameras for enhanced monitoring.
In a related development, the caretaker federal cabinet approved the deployment of Pakistan Army and civil armed forces to ensure free and fair elections. The troops will be stationed in sensitive constituencies and polling stations, doubling as a rapid response force.
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) also issued a “Code of Conduct for Security Personnel,” instructing LEAs to maintain impartiality and adhere to legal mandates.
In light of potential law and order challenges, Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar established a high-level committee, chaired by Federal Minister Shahid Ashraf Tarar, to oversee poll security, comprising key officials from relevant ministries and provinces.
By adhering to stringent security protocols and collaborative efforts, authorities aim to uphold the sanctity of the electoral process, ensuring a fair and peaceful voting environment on February 8.
